Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden pride for adventurers! It is located just a few kilometers east of Annapurna Base Camp. You can enjoy a charming, peaceful destination beyond lush rhododendron forests. Whereas, the breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna I were almost throughout the trek.
Mardi Himal (5587m) is an extension of the southwest section of the Machhapuchhre peak. The trail to Mardi Himal High Camp leads through the small Gurung and Magar settlements. Along with the rhododendron forests until high camp.
The landscape changes quite abruptly from hills to a rugged high mountain landscape. Also, one of the shortest and most famous family treks in the Annapurna region. It remains a peaceful trail compared to the neighboring Ghorepani and Annapurna Base Camp trails.
Mardi Himal Trek begins in Kathmandu, with a drive or flight to Pokhara, and then continues to Kande Village, about 40 km northwest of Pokhara. From there, the journey takes you through beautiful stops like Australian Camp and Deurali, culminating at Low Camp. As you climb higher, you’ll pass through stunning rhododendron and bamboo forests on your way to High Camp (4,500m).
From High Camp, a short hike takes you even higher for panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal. The actual Mardi Himal summit is just a couple of hours away, though most trekkers enjoy the views from the viewpoint above High Camp.
After soaking in the beauty, you’ll descend through alpine meadows and lush forests to Siding Village, where the trek concludes with a drive back to Pokhara. Your adventure ends once you return to Kathmandu.
The Mardi Himal Trek is best done in the spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear, and the views are at their best.
Duration: Those who want to participate in this Mardi Himal Trek must have 9 days of vacation, and if you are already here in Nepal, then you can complete it in a week.
Physical Fitness: Moderate level of fitness. First-time and beginner trekkers can participate in this trek.
Health Condition: Must be physically fit and healthy.
Age requirements: No age restrictions.
Daily walking hours: Trekkers must be able to walk an average of 4-5 hours per day during the trek.
Passport: Foreign trekkers must have a valid passport( at least six months of validity)
Health and Travel Insurance: High Route Adventure will not require travel insurance, but we highly recommend having it.
The Mardi Himal trek is less crowded than other treks, which is perfect for individuals who yearn for time to themselves. You trek through beautiful rhododendron forests, serene groves of bamboo, and grasslands covered in wildflowers. Fresh air, birdsong, waterfalls, and the swaying of the breeze in the trees make you feel as if you have bid farewell to the stress of everyday life. It is the perfect way to relax and be one with nature.
The Mardi Himal trek takes you to the base camp at about 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Reaching this height feels like a big achievement. The walk is tough in some parts, with rocky, steep paths, but the view from the top is worth it. You’ll see stunning mountains like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail). It’s a moment that boosts your confidence and gives you a feeling of success.
Along the trek to Mardi Himal, you will pass through Gurung villages. They are very friendly and generous. You will have the option to have tea at their homes and see them doing everyday chores. It is the best way to experience Nepali culture and traditions.
On the trek to the Mardi Himal, you will stay overnight in small villages in teahouses. They provide basic accommodation and meals, but it is genuine and homey. You’ll dine with fellow hikers, huddle over the fire, and share tales. There will be no luxuries so that you will enjoy the little things – such as an open sky full of stars.
This trek is neither too challenging nor too demanding. It is suitable for the majority, even if you’re inexperienced at trekking. No climbing skills or special gear are needed. With a bit of exercise and some time to get used to the altitude, many novices complete the trek and have fun.
| Season | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
| Spring (Mardi himal trek in march, april, may) | 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) at lower altitudes 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes | 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) at higher altitudes |
| Summer/Monsoon (Mardi himal trek in june to august) | 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) at lower altitudes 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at higher altitudes | 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes |
| Autumn (Mardi himal trek in september to november) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) at lower altitudes 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes | 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) at higher altitudes |
| Winter (Mardi himal trek in december, january) | 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes | -5°C to -12°C (23°F to 10°F) at lower altitudes colder at higher altitudes |
The Mardi Himal trek is possible year-round, but the best seasons to experience this excellent trail are spring and autumn. The two seasons have been chosen as the most suitable due to the following reasons.
The ideal season to hike to Mardi Himal is autumn, as it offers clear weather and stable conditions.
Note: Off-seasons for the trek to Mardi Himal are December to February (winter) and from June to August (monsoon season). Winter is a season of freezing temperatures and snow, especially at higher altitudes, which can render hiking difficult. The monsoon season comes with heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and the danger of landslides, so trekking is not advisable.
Here is the list of permits and their costs for the Mardi Himal Trek in the table below:
| Permit Name | Cost (Approx.) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 per person |
To get the Mardi Himal Trek permits, you need to provide us with the following documents and information:
Note: When you book with us, you don’t have to worry about getting these permits. We will arrange this for you to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
The cost of the 9-day Mardi Himal Trek package with High Route Adventure depends on the group size. The larger the group, the more discounts you can receive per person. Let’s take a look at the cost of the Mardi Himal trek package per person.
| No. of People | Price Per Person |
| 1 – 1 | $630 USD |
| 2 – 6 | $570 USD |
| 7 – 12 | $540 USD |
Are you looking for a short Mardi Himal trek that can be completed in under a week? Then here is our 5-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara. To learn more about the cost and package, please contact us. This Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days is best for Nepali and foreign tourists who want to explore Mardi Himal from Pokhara.
Day 1: Drive to Kande, then Trek to Samjay Deurali( 1 hr drive and 4 – 5 hr trek)
Day 2: Trek to Badal Danda( 6 – 7 hr trek)
Day 3: Trek to High Camp(2 – 3 hours trek)
Day 4: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek to Low Camp( 7 – 8 hrs trek)
Day 5: Trek to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara( 3 hours trek and 3 hours drive)
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival, our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. You'll meet your trek guide at the hotel and discuss the itinerary in detail. The guide will prepare your permits in advance.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on a commute and drive towards Pokhara, located almost 200km west of Kathmandu City. Along with being a popular tourist destination, Pokhara serves as the gateway to many major and minor trekking destinations, including Upper Mustang, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Sikles, and Mardi Himal. The scenic road journey may last 6-7 hours and will offer a unique perspective on the lifestyle of hilly inhabitants. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be escorted to your hotel.
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on a scenic 40min drive northwest of Pokhara. You'll drive for almost an hour along the Baglung Highway to arrive at the quaint Kande village. From here, you'll begin traversing along the forest's path toward Mardi Himal. Passing through small Gurung villages, you'll arrive at the Australian camp from where you can catch the magnificent sights of the Annapurna massif. The trail continues along the lushly decorated rhododendron forest towards Pothana village. At Gurung village, you stop for lunch. You'll find a forested ridge that leads directly to Pitam Deurali. It lies between the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre peaks. Stay overnight at Deurali.
Leaving Pitam Deurali, you'll continue trekking through the forested path toward the forest camp. The trail passes through the beautiful rhododendron forests. You won't find mountains visible in this section. Rising above the forests, you'll make your way towards Low Camp with only a handful of lodges. Once at Low Camp, you'll find the pristine views of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal up close. You can choose to hike for an additional hour to Badal Danda for a clearer view of the surrounding mountains.
The trail leaves the forested path and heads towards rugged, sparsely vegetated terrain. You'll walk above the rhododendron forest and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Close to High Camp, you can catch the first close sight of snow-capped Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre peaks. A short uphill trek from here will bring you to High Camp. Overnight stay at High Camp.
You'll make the final ascent of the trek and climb toward Upper View Point. You'll continue along the steeper trail that approaches Mardi Himal. Almost two hours of trekking will bring you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, from where you can catch the pristine sight of Mardi Himal's summit. Almost two hours of the additional hike will bring you to Upper View Point. You can catch a close view of the Mardi Himal summit along with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III peaks from here. Afterward, you'll begin descending towards Badal Danda.
Leaving Badal Danda, you'll begin descending through the Rhododendron forested trail towards the Magar settlements. You'll take a detour and climb down towards Siding village, which lies close to Low Camp. Unlike other villages in the region, Siding remains a traditional Magar village located amidst the lush forests on the foothills of Mardi Himal. From Siding, you'll catch a commute back to Pokhara City. It may take almost 1:30 hr to reach Pokhara. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Today, you'll bid farewell to Pokhara city and head back to Kathmandu. The beautiful sight of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna I will be visible while you depart. It may take 6-7 hours to reach Kathmandu via the Trishuli Highway. Once in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel.
You'll leave for the airport. Our representative will drive you back to the airport approximately 2 hours early to avoid delays caused by traffic congestion.
Choose from our scheduled group trips below, or contact us to plan a private or family adventure tailored to your schedule.
All foreign citizens who want to enter Nepal for the Mardi Himal Trek must obtain a Nepal tourist visa. Obtaining the visa is easy. You can obtain it either in advance from your home country or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) as an arrival visa. The visa cost depends on how much you want to spend in Nepal. For the short Mardi Himal Trek, you can obtain a 15-day visa. For the Mardi Himal trek with extra days, we suggest you have a 30-day visa.
For more information about Nepal check here: Nepal Country Information
While heading for the Mardi Himal Trek, Nepalese currency is widely used. Most tea houses, local shops, and restaurants widely accept the local currency. Before heading for the Mardi Himal Trek, we suggest you exchange some currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Carrying around NPR 15,000 - 20,000 will be enough for this trek. You will use this money to buy things like snacks, hot water, charging, tips, and for unforeseen situations like weather delays or emergency needs. Read more: Guide to Currency exchange
For tourists, a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) is a convenient option for communication and mobile internet. You can use this Sim during the Mardi Himal trek as the mobile network works fine.
Where to get the Sim?
Required document to obtain the Sim?
The Mardi Himal trek is the best destination for stunning views of mountain peaks and beautiful landscapes. You can take photos and videos with your mobile or camera without any issues. But if you are using the drone, you must obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. This is because Mardi Himal is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Flying a drone within the conservation area requires a permit, which will cost around USD 1800. If you are caught flying a drone without a permit, you will face legal consequences. Read more: Drone Permit in Nepal
Although it is not mandatory to submit travel and health insurance for the Mardi Himal trek, we strongly suggest that you have it. It is because you never know when bad things can happen during the trek. For your own safety, it is essential to have travel and health insurance. During an emergency, when helicopter evacuation and medical emergency are done, it can be costly. So having insurance will give you peace of mind.
If you purchase the travel and health insurance, it must cover these things:
Booking: To book the Mardi Himal Trek with High Route Adventure, we suggest you review the package details. After that, you can book the Mardi Himal Trek package for your preferred date based on your interest and schedule. To confirm the booking, you need to make an advance payment of 20% of the total cost listed on the website.
Payment: You can make a payment using a credit card, bank transfer, or other secure online payment methods accepted by High Route Adventure. We will not be responsible for the bank charge. For the Online Payment, check here: Bank Details for Payment
Cancellation Policy: The advance payment is non-refundable, but you can use it for any future trek in Nepal or choose to postpone your trip to a later date.
| Altitude | Oxygen Level |
| 1000m/3281ft | 88% |
| 2500m/8201ft | 73% |
| 3000m/9843ft | 68% |
| 3500m/11483ft | 64% |
| 4000m/13123ft | 60% |
| 4500m/14764ft | 57% |
The Mardi Himal Trek is graded as an easy to moderate Trek in terms of difficulty. If you have previous trekking experience, the Trek will be easy for you. For first-time trekkers, it can be a little challenging due to the new terrain, continuous uphill sections, and higher altitude. However, if you maintain a reasonable fitness level, you can have a wonderful time in Mardi Himal base camp, no matter if you are a beginner or first first-time trekker.
Here are the common risks that you need to face. Knowing this will help you prepare for the Trek.
On these 9 Days, the Mardi Himal trek starts from Kande, at an altitude of 1770 meters (5,807 feet), and takes you to the base camp, which is 4500 meters (14,764 feet). While reaching such altitudes, some trekkers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, Dizziness or light-headedness, Nausea or vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath, and Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Pro Tips: To avoid altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal Trek, follow acclimatization plans such as walking slowly, avoiding alcohol, drinking enough water and taking proper rest.
The Mardi Himal Trek routes take you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, steep inclines, and rocky paths. Walking in such terrain can be tough for first-time trekkers.
Pro Tips: To deal with rugged terrain, use good trekking shoes, carry trekking poles and maintain good leg strength.
The weather in Mardi Himal is sometimes unpredictable, with the potential for rain, snow, or bright sunshine in a single day.
Pro Tip: Pack layering clothing, waterproof clothing, and rain gear.
The Mardi Himal Trek route is less developed than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can expect basic teahouse accommodations and limited medical facilities.
Pro Tips: Carry essentials like a first-aid kit and travel insurance for emergencies.
Long trekking days, especially during the Mardi Base Camp summit, are tough and demand mental fortitude.
Pro Tip: Stay positive and focus on your dream of reaching base camp
Read more: A Complete Travel Guide to Mardi Himal Trekking
When you choose the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure, your comfort and convenience are our priorities. As part of your trekking experience, we will thoughtfully arrange your stay at reputable tea houses or mountain lodges along the trail. These accommodations are designed to provide trekkers with a cozy, immersive Himalayan experience while ensuring the essentials for a restful night’s stay are met.
Your Room at the Tea House/Mountain Lodge:
These mountain lodges are strategically located along the Mardi Himal trail, balancing accessibility with the authentic charm of off-grid trekking in the Annapurna region. While accommodations are basic, they reflect the rugged beauty of the Himalayas and the friendly, welcoming nature of the local communities.
By choosing our Mardi Himal package, you gain not only a seamless journey but also the peace of mind that your stay will be handled with care and professionalism. For more details or to secure your trekking experience, contact High Route Adventure today!
While on the Mardi Himal Trek, High Route Adventure will arrange three meals for you. You will have a veg and non-veg option, and if you have any special dietary requirements, you can let us know during booking. Mostly, you will get simple Nepali traditional dishes and a few other international dishes made in a Nepali style. Let’s see the common dish you can expect on the menu in the tea house.
Breakfast: Tibetan bread with jam or honey, Boiled eggs or omelette, Pancakes (plain, apple, or banana), Porridge or muesli with milk
Lunch and dinner: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), Fried rice or noodles with vegetables, egg, or chicken, Pasta with tomato or cheese sauce, Mo: Mo (Nepali dumplings), Noodles, Potato curry or vegetable curry with rice or chapati
Drinks: Black tea, milk tea, or masala tea, Coffee (instant or brewed), Hot lemon with honey, Bottled water or boiled/filtered water, Soft drinks, Alcoholic beverage
Note: Drinks will not be included in the Mardi Himal Trek Package.
On this Mardi Himal Trek Package, we will arrange a tourist bus from Kathmandu for you. You will reach Pokhara in about 6-7 hours, and from Pokhara, we will arrange a private jeep or taxi to Kande. After completing the trek, you will take a tourist bus and return to Kathmandu. For those who want to avoid the road, they can take a flight. If you want to use a flight, then you need to add the extra cost for this service.
Note: Flight fares may change depending on the peak season, availability, and other factors.
Here are the teams you will get when you book the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure.
For those who have extra time and want to explore more of the Annapurna region, you can add Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp to your Mardi Himal trek itinerary. You can even add both Ghorepani and Annapurna Base Camp to the Mardi Himal Trek. This side trip will add more adventure to your trekking journey, offering stunning sunrise views, beautiful landscapes, and a deeper connection with the Himalayas.
The Mardi Himal Trek takes you near Mardi Peak (5,587m), Fishtail Peak (6,993m), and other 7000- and 8000-meter peaks. The primary purpose of your journey is to visit the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at 4,500 meters above sea level. The low levels of oxygen in such a climate can sometimes make breathing troublesome.
The symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and headache. You can also experience loss of appetite, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath. If you feel any of the mentioned illnesses, immediately inform your tour guide or someone in charge and start descending to lower altitudes if you can.
The symptoms can have varying effects on different people. The most commonly felt symptom is shortness of breath. So, be mindful and avoid these symptoms.
Altitude Sickness Preventive Tips for Mardi Himal Trek
Nepali citizens who want to do the Mardi Himal trek can join the trek with High Route Adventure. The Mardi Himal trek will be less expensive for foreign citizens due to lower permit costs and other local advantages. Nepali citizens can start their Mardi Himal trek from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Guide and porter service will be provided to you.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't require a lot of intricate gear and equipment for this journey. Here's a basic checklist of the vital elements you must remember to carry when embarking on your Mardi Himal Trek:
There are only a few of the essential items. Find a Packing list for the trekking in Nepal.
The majority of trekking gear can be rented in Kathmandu, alleviating the need for heavy baggage. By packing only the necessities and acquiring the remaining items through rentals or purchases in Kathmandu, you can travel light. Thamel's shops provide both branded and locally crafted gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.
I just returned from the Mardi Himal trek and it was an unforgettable experience. The scenery was impressive, with majestic mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately difficult, but the views from the top were worth it. Our guide, Tenzing, was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the culture and history of the region. I highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an authentic Himalayan experience
I recently did the Mardi Himal Trek with my friends and it was an amazing experience. The trek was well-organized and our guide, Ramesh, was very helpful and supportive. The scenery was stunning, with beautiful forests and towering mountains. We saw many different types of flora and fauna, and the views from the top were breathtaking. I would definitely recommend this trek to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding experience in the Himalayas.
I just finished the Mardi Himal trek and it was incredible. The scenery was breathtaking, with majestic mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately difficult, but the views from the top were worth it. Our guide, Kumar, was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the culture and history of the region. I highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an authentic Himalayan experience.
I recently completed the Mardi Himal Trek and it was an incredible experience. The scenery was stunning, with towering mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately challenging, but the views from the top were well worth it. Our guide, Ganesh, was knowledgeable and friendly, and made sure we were safe and happy throughout the trek. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a unique and authentic Himalayan experience.
I did a 5-day trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and it was one of my most fulfilling trek yet reaching 4,500 meters above sea level. My guide, Pramod was very helpful from the start checking if I am bringing the appropriate gears, making sure that I am comfortable in my accommodation, or just making sure that I’m enjoying the trek itself.
This company is very flexible – they enabled us to change the trail by combining multiple usual tracks so that we could see more in less time. Also adjustments during the track were possible.
All questions were answered – all problems solved, including the change of our flight back (which was originally purchased by us privately) without additional charges.
Our porter Parbat is an extremely tough guy being able to go very fast for long distances and accepting our request to even go further any day.
Also ours guide Bhumi’s services were far beyond the usual standard. Sometimes, he was more a personal butler than just a guide.
